Project Funding Strategies

💡 Stop Starving Your Venture — But Don’t Feed It a Buffet. One of the biggest myths in corporate venture building is that you either: A) Throw chump change at a new idea (and watch it crawl), or B) Burn mountains of cash and hope for a miracle. Both miss the mark. The real play? Metered, milestone-based funding. 🔑 How it works: Fund the next riskiest assumption, not the whole roadmap. Release cash only when evidence proves traction (LOIs, paid pilots, usage metrics). If proof stalls, pause or pivot. If proof pops, double down. This isn’t “spend big.” It’s “spend right to learn fast.” Think of it like fuel stops in a race: too little and you sputter out, too much and you carry dead weight. The art is topping up just in time to stay in front. 👀 Questions to ask before writing the next cheque: - What’s the single learning we’ll unlock with this tranche? - How will we know (within weeks, not years) if it worked? - What’s the kill-switch if it doesn’t? Fund with intention, validate in sprints, scale what wins. That’s not reckless spending — that’s disciplined growth. #CorporateVenturing #Innovation #MilestoneFunding #GrowthStrategy

How This Space Tech Startup Secured $5.5M (Without Giving Up Equity). Last year, I invested in Raven Space Systems. They developed a novel way to 3D print aerospace hardware: • Faster • Cheaper • More efficiently Before pursuing VC money, they secured $5.5M through grants from NASA, Air Force, and The National Science Foundation. This was pure capital for R&D to: • Validate their technology • Access specialized facilities • Build government & commercial credibility Incredible benefits, yet not without challenges. Applications are competitive, time-consuming, and often come with restrictions on fund usage. 6 steps for capital-intensive startups to access non-dilutive funding: 1) Find the Right Grant Programs → Focus on SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) → STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs. → These offer billions annually in non-dilutive funding for early-stage R&D. Key Agencies: NASA, NSF, DoD, (AFWERX), USDA, and others. 2) Prove Your Tech Solves a Big Problem → Funders want mission-critical solutions over "cool" innovations. → Eg: NASA funds projects that improve performance in space exploration. → Use data or case studies to demonstrate the urgency of the problem → And the effectiveness of your solution. 3) Develop a Clear Proposal → Specific R&D milestones → Measurable outcomes → Commercialization plans Align your proposal with the funder's mission and values and highlight how your project advances their goals. 4) Leverage Strategic Partnerships Strengthen by collaborating with universities, labs, or prime contractors. E.g: Raven partnered with the University of Oklahoma for material testing and technical validation. Partnerships mean specialized equipment and critical expertise. 5) Engage with Grant Officers → Reach out to program managers before applying → For insights on aligning your application with agency priorities → Clarify any ambiguities and tailor your proposal accordingly 6) Iterate And Improve → Treat rejections as opportunities to learn → Many startups win grants on attempt 2 or 3 → Refining on feedback can significantly improve success rates After validating their tech with grants, Raven then raised VC to: • Scale manufacturing • Build sales teams • Enter new markets Validate with grants. Scale with VC. Combine both for a winning position. ____________________________ Hi, I’m Richard Stroupe, a 3x Entrepreneur, and Venture Capital Investor I help early-stage tech founders turn their startups into VC magnets Enjoy this? Join 340+ high-growth founders and seasoned investors getting my deep dives here: (https://lnkd.in/e6tjqP7y)

Less Federal Funding = More Competitive Grant Writing = Stronger Justification & Outcomes With federal and state funding becoming increasingly competitive, securing grants isn’t just about identifying a need—it’s about proving impact, justifying every dollar, and demonstrating long-term value. Funders are looking for investments that yield measurable results and financial accountability. To compete, organizations must go beyond writing strong proposals and focus on building data-driven, outcome-oriented programs that stand out in a crowded funding landscape. How to Strengthen Your Grant Strategy in 2025 1️⃣ Set SMART Goals That Prove Impact Funders want to know exactly how their investment will drive change. Set clear, outcome-based goals that align with their priorities. ✅ Specific – Clearly define what you’ll achieve (e.g., “Provide job training to 150 small business owners in 12 months”). 📊 Measurable – Quantify the expected impact (e.g., “Increase employment by 20%” or “Launch 50 new businesses”). 🎯 Achievable – Base targets on past performance and industry benchmarks. 🔗 Relevant – Align goals with funder priorities (e.g., workforce development, environmental resilience). ⏳ Time-Bound – Set a clear implementation and reporting timeline. 2️⃣ Use Data-Driven Storytelling Winning proposals blend compelling narratives with hard data. Funders need both the numbers and the human story to make informed decisions. 📌 Leverage national and local data to quantify the problem. 📌 Showcase past program success to demonstrate credibility and effectiveness. 📌 Incorporate real beneficiary stories to connect funders to the impact on a personal level. 3️⃣ Justify Every Dollar in Your Budget Funders scrutinize budgets for transparency and ROI. Tie every line item directly to measurable outcomes. Example: Instead of requesting a lump sum of “$500K for program expansion,” break it down: 💰 $200K for staff = 300 additional participants served. 💻 $150K for technology = 40% faster service delivery. 📢 $150K for outreach = 25% increase in community engagement. Funders will ask: Why this amount? Why this allocation? What’s the return on investment? 4️⃣ Demonstrate Sustainability & Scalability With fewer dollars available, funders prioritize projects that create long-term impact. Strengthen your case by showing: 🔄 Diverse funding sources (public-private partnerships, earned revenue). 📈 Scalability (how the project can expand or replicate). 💡 Federal and state dollars are shrinking, but outcome-driven, evidence-backed proposals will rise to the top. Winning grants in 2025 requires more than strong writing—it demands a strategic approach. The organizations that secure funding will be those that justify their requests, prove measurable impact, and design programs built for lasting change. #GrantWriting #FundingStrategy #SMARTGoals #Nonprofits #ImpactMeasurement #CompetitiveGrants

‼️ Everyone Wants SAF. No One Wants to Pay for It ‼️ So — How Do You Finance a £500M+ Clean Fuels Project⁉️ Let’s be blunt: SAF plants are not being built because of financing. High-CAPEX projects like SAF, e-fuels, methanol or hydrogen rarely die in the lab — They die in Pre-FEED, FEED or just before FID when the money actually needs to move. So let’s simplify the landscape. If you’re building a plant, here’s what your financing journey really looks like: 1. Pre-FEED / Pre-Development Stage Goal: Prove you’re credible enough to justify deeper due diligence. ✅ Typical funding sources: • Founder equity / angel capital — painful but essential skin in the game • Innovation grants (e.g. UK AFF, EU Innovation Fund, DOE in the US) • Strategic partnerships with tech licensors or feedstock suppliers (often in-kind support rather than cash) What works best? ➡️ Grants + early offtake LOIs — your only real credibility anchor at this stage. ⸻ 2. FEED / Advanced Development Stage Goal: Turn assumptions into engineering-grade numbers. ✅ Typical funding sources: • Blended public-private grant structures (e.g. matched funding) • Corporate venture capital (CVC) — but only if you’re aligned with their supply chain needs • Convertible debt from strategic partners (airlines, fuel suppliers) What works best? ➡️ Grants + CVC + strategic equity, but only if you can prove future revenue. ⸻ 3. FID / Construction Stage – The Real Cliff Edge Goal: Secure bankable contracts so lenders stop seeing you as “experimental.” ✅ Funding instruments that actually close deals: • Project finance (with senior debt + mezzanine) — only unlocked after offtake contracts & feedstock secured • Revenue Certainty Mechanisms (e.g. UK GSP, US 45Z, EU FEETS allowances) • Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) — massively underrated, especially for equipment-heavy builds • Loan guarantees from governments (e.g. US DOE LPO model) What works best? ➡️ Long-term offtake + GSP/45Z or similar policy-backed price floor. TL;DR — Here’s the Brutal Truth Technology without bankability is just a science project. Policy gives confidence. Offtakes give leverage. Guarantees unlock capital. If you’re stuck between FEED and FID and don’t know which lever to pull first — you’re not alone. That’s exactly the gap we help close at StratX: bridging strategy, partners and financing pathways so real plants actually get built. Let’s talk!

Building Resilient NGOs: Navigating the USAID Shutdown & Beyond The recent global suspension of USAID funding has raised pressing concerns across the development sector, particularly for NGOs in Africa. It’s a stark reminder of the risks of over-reliance on single-donor funding and the need for a more resilient, diversified, and strategic approach to non-profit sustainability. As Operations Management Professionals, we must proactively prepare for such shifts. Here’s how NGOs can mitigate risks and adapt: 🔹 Diversify Funding Streams: Over-dependence on one donor is a vulnerability. Now is the time to explore European, African, and private-sector funding, build strategic partnerships, and consider social enterprise models for revenue generation. 🔹 Strengthen Financial Resilience: Every NGO should have reserve funds covering 6-12 months of operations. Flexible financial planning ensures continuity when funding is disrupted. 🔹 Optimize Operations for Efficiency: Leaner, more cost-effective structures ensure sustainability. Shared services, digital solutions, and smarter procurement strategies can drive operational efficiency without compromising impact. 🔹 Prioritize Local & Regional Partnerships: African-led organizations must leverage regional bodies (AU, EAC, ECOWAS, SADC), community-based organizations, and corporate donors to build sustainable support networks. 🔹 Adapt Program Design: Shifting donor priorities demand agility. NGOs must align their interventions with emerging funding trends, ensuring their work remains relevant and fundable. The organizations that adapt, innovate, and strengthen local ownership will not only survive but thrive in the evolving funding landscape. 💡 What strategies is your organization using to navigate donor shifts? Let’s discuss! #NGOResilience #USAIDShutdown #USAID #OperationsManagement #FundingDiversification #SustainableDevelopment #AfricaLeadership #StrategicPlanning

Nothing creates more tension in academia than #funding. I’ve recently spoken to colleagues who feel disheartened, sometimes almost broken, after repeated funding rejections. #Academics from minority backgrounds, women, and even established researchers with long records and strong ideas,  the challenge is the same. After securing several new grants, I can share what helped me. "Tenacity", "Resilience", "Persistence", and "Belief" in my ideas kept me going. The journey was never easy, but it showed me what’s possible. 🕯️ Here’s what could help: ❓I don’t get invitations to join bids. So stop waiting. "Lead the way", build your own #proposal and invite others in. My first large bid looked impossible, but I broke it into steps, asked for advice, and spent months planning. ❓I don’t get letters of support or responses from stakeholders. So treat networking as a workpackage. Contact organisations directly, join funder events, stay visible on social media. Persistence pays off , over time replies will come, and trust will grow. Posting on LinkedIn can increase visibility, especially for underrepresented groups. ❓My ideas feel weak. So make time to read, review, and sharpen your research. Strong proposals come from depth, not sudden flashes of inspiration. I blocked time for “Idea Factories” reading and reflecting. ❓I don’t understand how funders decide. So study their past projects and strategies. I read through funded proposals and noticed patterns in themes and priorities. I focused on one funder to understand their style, then branched out. That focus improved my success rate. ❓I don’t have everything ready. So start small. Write a short abstract, two pages or less. Map what you have and what you need. ❓Rejections keep coming. So remind yourself rejection is systemic, not personal. Funders often support fewer than 20% of applications. Every rejection became practice and a catalyst for more work. This incremental change shaped my current research and vision. ❓I get frustrated. So let yourself rant, talk about it, then move on. Funding feels unfair, but rejection does not mean your research lacks value. The work itself still matters. ❓ideas stall. So reframe them. Try a new angle. Reinvent yourself, find new collaborators. Explore new research questions or collaborations. ❓I don’t have senior collaborators. So ask. Many are willing to join, even if you assume they’re too busy. Reaching out costs nothing and builds partnerships. Once your idea is clear, others are more willing to join confidence attracts collaborators. ❓ How do I manage expectations? Treat every application as if it has a 10% chance of success. Submit, move on, and value what you've learned. That mindset protects energy. Funding is tough. It discourages and it feels unfair. But rejection is part of the process. Persistence, resilience, and confidence make the difference. If you’re struggling right now, don’t stop. If I did it, you can too.

Too often we fund systems-level challenges in ways that flattens (or ignores) complexity--picking single strategies, privileging single actors, or forcing linear plans onto problems that are anything but linear. Pando Funding starts from a different place. It recognizes that to truly meet the scale of our biggest challenges--climate, democracy, inequality, justice--we need to embrace the *complexity* of how change actually happens: supporting system change networks, diverse but aligned strategies, emergent action and shared decision-making. That’s why Pando Funding is built on three simple but distinctive principles: Fund Shared Power – ensure strategy and resources are decided by those leading work on the frontlines of the system. Fuel Collective Strategy – resource coherence across diverse approaches and theories of change, not conformity. Flex for What’s Next – allow movements to adapt in real time, rather than lock into rigid plans. Pando Funding isn’t just another way to move money nor is it a new fundraising strategy—it’s a new funding logic designed for the reality of systems change. 👉 https://lnkd.in/ecNk7v7W

Navigating the world of grants, prizes, and funding mechanisms can be a game-changer for startups. But where do you begin? Let me break it down for you. Identify Your Needs Before you dive into applications, get clear on what you need the funds for. - Is it for R&D? - Scaling operations? - Maybe marketing? Knowing this will help you target the right opportunities. Research Grant Databases There are numerous databases out there, but here are a few worth your time: - Grants.gov: A comprehensive source for federal grants. - SBIR.gov: Focuses on small businesses engaging in R&D. - Foundation Center: A go-to for nonprofit and for-profit grants. Leverage Industry Specific Opportunities For those in renewable energy and sustainability, there are niche opportunities: -American Made Network - Department of Energy (DOE) grants. -The Green Climate Fund. - Private foundations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Partner Up - Collaborations can open doors to otherwise inaccessible funding. - Team up with universities for joint research projects. - Partner with larger corporations for innovation grants. Participate in Competitions Competitions offer both funding and exposure. - AMN SolarPrize 8. - Shell Energy Challenge. - XPRIZE competitions. Angel Investors and VCs Don't underestimate the power of private investors. - Look for investors aligned with your mission. - Pitch at industry events and forums. Craft a Stellar Application A well crafted application can set you apart. - Be clear and concise. - Highlight your impact and scalability. - Show your team’s capability. Follow Up Persistence pays off. - Follow up on applications. - Network with grant officers. - Keep refining your pitch and approach. Remember, securing funding is not just about the money. It’s about the relationships you build and the credibility you gain. What's been your most successful approach to securing funding? Comment below and let’s share some best practices! #AJPerkins #MicrogirdMentor

💡 Day 23 of 100 Days of Product Management: Startup Funding and Investments 💡 ✍ Daily Insight: Let's explore startup funding and investments, a crucial aspect of product management and growth. Understanding funding options and investment strategies can help product managers navigate the financial landscape of startups. Securing funding is vital for startups to develop products, scale operations, and enter new markets. Product managers play a key role in attracting investors by demonstrating product potential and aligning it with business goals. ⭐ Types of Funding: - Bootstrapping: Self-funding from personal savings or revenue generated by the business. Example: Many startups begin by bootstrapping to maintain full control and avoid debt. - Angel Investors: Wealthy individuals who invest their own money in early-stage startups in exchange for equity. Example: Early investments often come from angel investors who believe in the product vision. - Venture Capital (VC): Firms that invest large sums in startups with high growth potential in exchange for equity. Example: VCs provide not just funding but also mentorship and industry connections. - Crowdfunding: Raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, usually via online platforms. Example: Platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo allow startups to validate ideas and raise funds. - Grants and Competitions: Non-repayable funds awarded by governments, organizations, or competitions. Example: Winning a startup competition can provide funding and valuable exposure. ⭐ Starting Points for Product Managers: - Build a Strong Business Case: Clearly define the problem your product solves, its market potential, and the competitive advantage. - Develop a Compelling Pitch: Craft a clear and engaging pitch that highlights the product vision, market opportunity, and team strengths. - Show Traction: Demonstrate user growth, revenue, or other key metrics to show that your product is gaining traction. - Create Detailed Financial Projections: Prepare realistic financial forecasts and explain how the funds will be used to achieve growth milestones. - Network with Investors: Attend industry events, join startup incubators, and use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential investors. - Be Prepared for Due Diligence: Have all necessary documents and data ready to provide to potential investors during the due diligence process. Further reads - Image source Liz Fosslien | https://lnkd.in/gzfnHJcm by HackerNoon | Finance for Product Managers - https://lnkd.in/gPuXb_2Z by Sean Ammirati #Day23of100 #ProductManagement #Fundraising #Startups #Investments #Crowdfunding #100DaysofProductManagement

How to secure funding for your startup Lessons from the fundraising trenches: Securing funding is often a make-or-break moment for startups. It's not just about having a great idea; it's about convincing others to believe in your vision and capability to execute it. Key steps in the funding journey: 1. Perfect your pitch • Clearly define the problem you're solving • Articulate your unique solution • Demonstrate market potential and scalability • Present realistic financial projections • Highlight your team's expertise and passion 2. Know your numbers inside out • Understand your burn rate • Project your runway • Be clear on your valuation and why • Know key metrics: CAC, LTV, churn rate 3. Build relationships before you need money • Attend industry events and startup meetups • Leverage LinkedIn for strategic connections • Seek warm introductions to potential investors • Consider joining an accelerator program 4. Explore diverse funding options • Bootstrapping: Using personal savings or revenue • Friends and family rounds • Angel investors • Venture capital • Crowdfunding platforms • Government grants and subsidies • Bank loans or lines of credit 5. Prepare for due diligence • Organize all financial documents • Have legal agreements in order • Be ready to explain every aspect of your business Key insights from my experience: • Investors fund people, not just ideas Your passion, integrity, and ability to execute matter immensely. • Traction speaks louder than projections Early customers or users can validate your concept. • Be prepared for many "no's" before a "yes" Each rejection is an opportunity to refine your pitch. • Funding isn't success - it's fuel for growth Don't celebrate too early; the real work begins after funding. • Choose investors wisely They become partners in your journey. Ensure values align. Remember: • Bootstrap as long as you can Prove your concept before seeking external funding. • Understand the terms of any investment Seek legal advice to understand implications. • Be transparent about risks and challenges Building trust is crucial for long-term relationships. Securing funding is a journey that requires persistence, preparation, and adaptability. It's not just about the money; it's about finding partners who believe in your vision and can help you achieve it. What's your experience with startup funding? Any tips or cautionary tales to share with fellow entrepreneurs?